Mar 26, 2008 1:44 PM

Hi all as a Newbie- fresh startin tommorow evening. I need good shoes for a big girl that has not run in a LONG time. I really want to stick with it and have fun ( I am doing it with a good friend ) but I know that my cross trainers that I have now are not going to stand up to the pounding of pavement.

I do marathons, and am big (200 lbs) relative to the majority of runners in these races. I have found the Nike Zoom Vomero's to be the best cushioning shoe. I'm on my 3rd pair since I retire them every 500 miles or so.

I am bigger, weigh about 200lb and am starting to run again. I want really good running shoes also. I have done a lot of research and have found a lot of reviews on different good running shoes. My problem with deciding which ones is- are any of these reviews from people who weigh 200lb? Is there a huge difference in the ones that cost $80 versus $120. I really think I like the asics nimbus or mizuno wave rider. Any thoughts?

Not to start a shoe war, but I concur with bostonwolf. My first pair (last year) was the Beast, and I just bought two more pairs.

But the best thing for you is to go to a runner's shoe store. The trained and informed staff can help you to decide. Then, if the shoes do not work out for you, a runner's store will allow you to return those shoes and work with you to find the shoe that is right for you.

I like to mention the Beast because I had never heard of Brooks before I started running. Knowing that someone else ran in Brooks gave me the peace of mind to consider the brand. But we all are different, so find what works best for you.

I agree with ForrestDuck on one point. You should go to a good running shoe store and seek their advice. The first thing you need to know is what kind of shoe you need: cushioned/neutral, stability, or motion control. The Brooks Beast (women's model is called the Ariel, I think) is a motion control shoe, and may not be the best for you. The same advice holds for the Nimbus, which is a nice shoe (I have a pair). It's a cushioned shoe, which is fine, unless you need a stability or motion-control shoe. The Mizuno Wave Rider is considered a performance trainer, not what I would suggest for your first or primary pair of training shoes.

I am a coach and runner, 180lbs. I would go to my nearest running specialtiy store, ie Road Runners Sports, Moving Shoes, The Running Institute or Pulse and have a professional look at your feet and your running stride. What may work for me, may not work for you. See out on the road!!!

Your size and shape isn't the problem...your gait and feet are. Go to a running store. Get your gait analyzed and try a number of different pair. A good running store will have you step up onto a treadmill and try each pair until you have found what works for you.

I'm a big girl. I over-pronate in one foot and not in the other. I like Brooks Adrenaline. But what works for me and my mileage and feet may not work for you. This really isn't a decision to make by the advice of strangers over the internet. This is a very personal decision that needs to be made based on your feet.

Good luck. Your feet will thank you for this! Comfy feet and legs make for SUCCESS!

I started in and still wear New Balance. I'm around 210lbs. I have a wide foot and my local running store fitted me with New Balance 769, cushion, average motion control in a size 9 medium. A year later my 2nd pair were 1/2 size smaller and wide! I do have a wide foot and the extra width has saved my small toes from blisters!

The 769 is now retired and can be found online and in running stores at great clearance prices! I'm about to purchase the replacement, the new 760.

Runner since 2009.

I used to run to get faster, but got tired of pushing it, panting and feeling disappointed.

Now I run to relax and enjoy, around a 12:30 - 13:00 average pace.

Starting to get into trail running - way slower, but highly enjoyable.

Try to run 15-20mi per week and spin 4-7 times per week.

Best race paces:

1 mile - 10:12

5K - 11:34

4mi - 11:32

10K - 11:15

Half Marathon - 13:20

I wear New Balance running gear (they have many choices in XXL, size 18).